Jagex Announces Fourth RuneScape Game Using Unreal Engine
Jagex has officially announced a fourth major installment in the RuneScape universe, tentatively titled RS4 and built using Unreal Engine.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Announcement at RuneFest
During its annual convention dedicated to all things related to the franchise, developer [Jagex](https://play.runescape.com/4) revealed that a fourth major installment in the RuneScape world is currently under development. The announcement was made alongside an [accompanying trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnPHYaNloW8) that gave fans their very first look at the project, which currently carries the working title of RS4.
Although the minute-long video did not reveal an extensive amount of gameplay details regarding the latest MMO, the footage indicates that players will be able to ride and fight dragons. According to reports from outlets like [Polygon](https://www.polygon.com/runescape-4-announcement-runefest-reveal-jagex/), the reveal has generated significant attention from the gaming community following its debut at the convention.
The upcoming title expands upon the established catalog of games in the franchise, which already features [RuneScape](https://www.engadget.com/runescape-ios-android-release-date-161324420.html), Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds. Company representatives clarified that the new entry is not intended to replace any of the older legacy titles currently enjoyed by millions of active players worldwide.
Development and Engine Transition
A notable aspect of the RS4 announcement is the studio's choice of technology. Unlike previous iterations of the franchise, this fourth installment is being developed using Unreal Engine, marking a significant technical evolution for the long-running multiplayer online role-playing series.
Jagex explained its overall philosophy for the upcoming software by noting that it is deliberately designing RS4 to sit alongside existing properties as an additional way to experience RuneScape and the expansive fantasy world of Gielinor. This multi-game approach ensures that the community can continue participating in their preferred versions of the virtual world without forced migrations.
The origins of RS4 stem from an earlier concept within the studio. The project was originally conceived as an expansion to RuneScape: Dragonwilds carrying the subtitle Shadows of Ashenfall. However, as the development process progressed, the resulting software evolved into something much more closely resembling Jagex's traditional massively multiplayer online games, prompting the strategic pivot toward creating a completely standalone title.
Setting and Narrative Timeline
While the upcoming MMO will continue to take place in the familiar fantasy universe, the narrative timeline for RS4 is positioned specifically within the Sixth Age. This places the events of the game years after the occurrences depicted in RuneScape: Dragonwilds.
Players jumping into the new title will begin their journey in the Ashenfall region. This specific territory was first introduced to the community through RuneScape: Dragonwilds, which previously served as Jagex's notable expansion into the open-world survival genre.
By anchoring the new game's starting area in the Ashenfall region established by its predecessor, the development team aims to create narrative continuity while delivering a fresh gameplay experience powered by modern rendering and engine capabilities.
Timeline and Additional Media
Regarding the eventual launch of the software, Jagex has not yet provided any specific indication of when the fourth RuneScape entry will officially be released to the public. The studio characterized the endeavor as a hugely ambitious project, noting plainly that the game is still a few years away from completion.
To help tide fans over during the lengthy wait ahead, the company also used the event to reveal complementary multimedia projects. Alongside the game announcement, Jagex confirmed that a RuneScape animated series is actively in development.
The television adaptation is being produced by Lyrical Animation in a collaborative partnership with prominent content creator and YouTuber MoistCr1TiKaL. Although production on the animated show is still currently in its early stages, Jagex has committed to sharing additional updates and details regarding the television project next year.
Sources
- EngadgetA fourth RuneScape game is under development using Unreal Engine
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